Christopher B. Shevlin was supposed to play basketball during his tenure at Citrus College in the early 70s, but an injury to one of his hands forced him to sit out for a year. When his coaches suggested he try refereeing because he knew the game so well, accident turned into good fortune for the long-time Monrovia resident, and eventually led to a 35-year career as a high school and college basketball referee.Shevlin returned to Citrus College to be honored as an Alumni Achievement Award recipient Saturday, June 16, at the college’s 96thcommencement ceremony.The Arroyo High School graduate spent many years officiating Division 1 college games and served as an NCAA official for five years, but he said he never imagined he would take part in so many memorable events, including meeting great players such as Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, members of the 1992 U.S. Olympic basketball “Dream Team.”

The Citrus College alumnus has also earned a stellar reputation for his service to the Monrovia community. Shevlin has been a member of the Monrovia Kiwanis Club for 19 years, earning the organization’s Super Distinguished Past President designation in 1999-2000. He has also served as a board member of the Santa Anita Family YMCA (SAFYMCA) since 1996, and he was named the organization's 2010 “Humanitarian of the Year.” Shevlin’s list of accolades increased when the Foothill Boys and Girls Club presented him and his wife, Becky, with the “For the Love of Youth Award” earlier this year.

In addition to his experience as a basketball referee, Shevlin has worked as an account executive for Chicago Title for the past 16 years. Before becoming a professional success and a philanthropist, however, Shevlin was a student at El Monte’s Arroyo High School, Class of 1970, and at Citrus College. After studying at Citrus College from 1970 through 1972, he transferred to California State University, Long Beach where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1976.

“We are proud and honored to recognize Chris Shevlin as one of the alumni award recipients for 2012,” said Citrus College Superintendent/President Geraldine M. Perri. “His hard work and his ongoing involvement with the Monrovia community exemplify what Citrus College represents.”

Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees President Joanne Montgomery concurs. “It’s always exciting to see former students succeed and come back to address a new generation. We are indeed very lucky to have Mr. Shevlin be a part of our college family.”

Shevlin agrees, and he had this succinct message for the class of 2012: “Once an Owl always an Owl.”